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What It's Like

Midtown East is where many New Yorkers come to work. Iconic skyscrapers -- the Chrysler Building and the Seagram Building -- dominate the skyline. On the ground, plenty of delis and Starbucks cafes feed the cubicle occupants. Nightlife is scarce, but excellent, typically pricey, cuisine is always within walking distance. On its western border, 5th Avenue is home to shopping icons like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co., along with high-end flagships like Gucci and Versace. Madison Avenue, one block east, is also dotted with designer boutiques.

The area lacks the residential quaintness of the Upper West Side, and most insider haunts are found farther downtown. But subway access is ample, making it easy to venture anywhere in the city. Plus, the 24-hour, tourist-focused chaos of Times Square and the Theater District is just a long walk, short taxi, or brief subway ride away.

Where to Stay

There's no shortage of hotels here. The city's "grand hotels" -- such as the Waldorf-Astoria on Park Avenue -- are landmarks unto themselves. Upscale chain hotels like the family-friendly Marriott New York East Side, the hipper W New York, the strictly business Intercontinental, and the Hyatt cluster around Grand Central Station, one of New York's most historic transportation hubs. Charming boutique hotels, like the Hotel Elysee or the Alex hotel, are still to be found between the corporate towers. Also, since many hotels in Midtown East target weekday business travelers, there can be great deals to be found on the weekends.

Midtown East Hotel Guides

New York may be the setting for about a thousand romantic movies, but the truth is it's hard for romance to blossom amid blaring taxis and jostling crowds. These hotels are quiet, relaxing, and filled with old New York charm.

Midtown East may be home to the city's most famous toy store, FAO Schwarz, but rooms are often tiny and finding a great hotel for the family can be tricky. That's why we compiled a list of the best hotels for families in the area.

For spa lovers, a vacation just isn't a vacation without some regimented relaxation, especially in New York, where the grit and grime can really get under your skin -- both literally and figuratively. These Midtown East hotels have some of the best spas in the city.

While many New York hotels allow pets, some hotels really go out of their way -- offering everything from gourmet food to pedicures. But animal lovers take note -- not all pets are created equal. Most hotels allow only small dogs and gear their amenities specifically toward them. If you're staying in Midtown East and your best friend is a cat, an iguana, or a 110-pound Great Dane, the Affinia Fifty will be the most accommodating. When booking at any hotel, be sure to let them know you're bringing a pet, and confirm their policies haven't changed. You'll want to be wary of steep fees, weight limits, and off-limits areas.